What Is This Strong Fascination We Humans Have With Alcohol?
Posted: Sunday, November 22, 2009
by Kenny St.pierre
The holidays are fast approaching, and there are those of us who are quite fond of drink, and will put as much thought and delight into the providing of its spirits to our guest and ourselves just as we will the hams, turkeys, side dishes, and desserts we will also offer and deliver. Recently I pondered the question, What is this strong fascination we humans have with alcohol, that we will sometimes use our bill money, snatch funds from our bank accounts, or even manipulate a loved one in order to purchase it? I then contemplated further, "Who among us are advertised into it, and who are so driven by it's comely forces that we can not resist it's pull?"
I also pondered the idea that few, if any, sit around the fireplace with a glass of milk, ice tea, or a Doctor Pepper. I mused that few people would we even bother to go to night clubs, casinos, or to view professional sporting events if it were not for the presence of alcohol at such places of entertainment. I wondered if entertainment was exciting enough on its own that it could stand alone without the accompaniment of alcohol? How many adults would even bother to leave the house if we knew in advance there was no booze to be had?
It's obvious that without alcohol inside these products, sales of these beverages would be about as appetizing as orange juice is to a steak dinner. It's undeniable that alcohol does set a mood and/or add ambiance to most any setting, and that most everyone who drinks wants a little buzz, especially during holiday family moments together. Would any of us drink wine or other alcohol beverages if it were not for the buzz?
Last night I went to a 50th Birthday party for a cousin of mine, and at one point I noticed how maybe two thirds of the adults there had drank more than their fair share of the spirits. Too, it was evident by the laughter and smiles on the intoxicated faces in the room, that we were having a great time together. Many cameras flashed group photos of happy relatives and friends, karaoke filled the air with sometimes good and sometimes not so good voices, and many glasses clanged throughout the night in honor of the drunken Birthday boy. Yet the best part was at the end of the evening when each of us began departing and still the joy and buzz continued outside the hall after many were making their way through the exits. Hugs and kisses were accompanied with pleasant holiday wishes to each other, the kids helped carry the sound equipment to the van, sober people offered and provided rides to those who needed them, and a few of us stayed behind to help with clean-up. How nice it was to be a part of such organization, spirit, and maturity.
People typically drink alcohol to induce mania or reduce anxiety, and frequently they'll drink in a social setting, thus suggesting a human need for a good time or a degree of comfort and belonging in the presence of family and friends with the presumption of hearty laughter and good story-telling. However, we're all aware there can be and is a flip side to alcohol's seeming merriment. Even an innocent child will witness times where alcohol and the adults who who drink it irresponsibly become sinister and frightening even if they had their best intentions and desires in mind prior to its consumption.
For the younger drinkers, most want a crazy story to tell where they are the focus of attention. For then comes the hope that great anecdotes will arise in their name, and their legends thus begin. Therefore, they'll drink, behave wildly, and the next day tell their friends about the night they had in order to boost their morale. It's not always the case, but I think it usually is and when it is executed properly it is a beautiful thing to behold.
As for the rest of us, maybe perhaps the most prevalent reason we drink alcohol is to experience the release of the instincts we have been taught to suppress. When I consume enough alcohol I admit to behaving more primitive. I'll revert back to actions such as less control over eating habits, less inhibited speech, a stronger desire for excitement and fun, and maybe perhaps a wonderful lack of common politeness. I often forget that I am still much like a mammal, and alcohol helps me liberate the animal within me. Is this bad or good I ask myself? I guess it's good and bad depending on how I use it, and how well I have learned my lessons from my prior intoxicating experiences.
But all in all, regardless of what reasons motivate us to drink, I hope for those of us who do, we will do it with the utmost respect for others in mind. I sincerely wish that as we drink this holiday season each of us has the experience of beautifully enhanced evenings with our family and friends, and to not let ourselves be over-consumed into trouble and regret.
Like most things in life, alcohol can be a gift if it is taken in moderation, but IF it is overindulged I hope it is consumed by those who will be free of trouble and regret the following morning. I have a saying, "Those who are too serious fly large planes into tall buildings, " and who needs to witness that again? What was their reason for such atrocity if they were sober? Took themselves and their beliefs too serious maybe?
I know it is imperative to laugh at ourselves and to keep things on the humorous side. Alcohol can be an aid in helping make that happen, but one must also remain level-headed, drink with the intent to enjoy oneself, and "knowing thyself" is of most importance when drinking. Most of our outcomes, for good or bad, are due directly to what's inside our heads, and less to do with what's inside our glass.
Trust me, I do take drunk driving and other bad drinking behaviors seriously, and it is never my wish to pick up a newspaper and read about these things. However, I wish to make it clear those people do not represent all of us.
Below are some of my favorite quotes regarding how some humans view alcohol which I think helps in keeping life on the lighter side. Whether you choose to be sober or intentionally engrossed by your favorite liquid spirit this holiday season, I hope everyone of you has a great New Year ahead.
"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." ~Henny Youngman
"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." ~Benjamin Franklin
"Wine is bottled poetry." ~Robert Louis Stevenson
"I think a man ought to get drunk at least twice a year just on principle, so he won't let himself get snotty about it." ~Raymond Chandler
"It is most absurdly said, in popular language, of any man, that he is disguised in liquor; for, on the contrary, most men are disguised by sobriety." ~Thomas de Quincy, Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, 1856
"Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel ashamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn't drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, it is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver." ~Jack Handey
"Wine is sunlight, held together by water." ~Galileo
"How come if alcohol kills millions of brain cells, it never killed the ones that made me want to drink?" ~Author Unknown
"If you are young and you drink a great deal it will spoil your health, slow your mind, and make you fat - in other words, turn you into an adult." ~P.J. O'Rourke
"Booze is the answer. I don't remember the question." ~ Unknown
"Writing is a lonely job, unless you're a drinker, in which case you always have a friend within reach." ~ E milio Estevez.
"Drunk chicks think I'm hot." ~ Seen on a T-shirt worn by an ugly guy.
"I used to drink, I did. I had to quit. Man, I was an embarrassing drunk. I'd get pulled over by the cops, and be so drunk I'd be out dancing in their lights thinking I'd made it to the next club." ~ Bill Hicks.
"I envy people who drink. At least they have something to blame everything on." ~ Oscar Levant
"I had to stop drinkin, cuz I got tired of waking in my car driving ninety." Richard Pryor.
"I had a dream last night that I drank the largest Margarita in Texas. When I woke up, there was salt on the toilet lid and rim. Sure, it sounds gross, but at least now I have an explanation for the blue tongue." ~ P. Salyer.
"Alcohol is like love: the first kiss is magic, the second is intimate, the third is routine. After that you just take the girl's clothes off." ~ Unknown
"Not all men who drink are poets. Some of us drink because we aren't poets."
"Don't bother trying to join the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. It turns out they're apparently against all three." ~ Wiley.
"Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at tax collectors - and miss. "
"I used to have a drinking problem. Now I love the stuff."
"Alcohol may not solve your problems, but neither will water or milk."
"Legal drinking age in Poland is, ' I have 3 euros'." ~ Cheater.
This Article has been viewed 1,304 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Good article, Kenny, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. MarijoThank you Marijo for taking the time to read it.
Hi Kenny. Thanks for sharing this well-written article with us. You often read in the news that some children of famous people arrested for driving under the influence. I kept wondering, why can't they ask someone to drive for them or take a taxi when drunk, why drive when you are not able. Great article Kenny. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and yours, ~Nenita~Thanks for this comment Nenita.I don't wish to speak for or against drunk-driving and who gets away with what, but you are right. Maybe someday we will look closer at alternative solutions to drunk driving rather than punishments and lack there of.
Great article, was in sightful and love the quotes - the one about the brain cells I thought was particularly true.Thanks Alexis! That quote was a good one and made me laugh out loud!
Personally, now that I've gotten older, I drink because I enjoy the taste...but when I was younger...that's another story altogther. Interesting points here.There is no question I know where you were going with that. Yep, like you I've been there and done that, yet I don't regret it. I came to realize it is all a part of the growing up process.These days I can drink and maintain the good feelings longer. When I was in my 20's and left the house on a Friday night, I was on a mission to get destroyed. However, after a while I came to realize the following day's punishment was never equal to the short ride of "fun" I had the night before - much of which I could barely remember anyway.I think maturity and wisdom are pretty cool Richard. Thanks for reading.
Mankind was taught to grow vineyards and make wine, by the beings they called "gods"- alcoholic beverages are far older than humans.---Thanks Kenny-this article shows innate knowledge of human nature- well done- Always- EllaI was wonderin why I was getting respnses to an article I wrote last year, then I realized you showcased it on Ella's Attic.
Thank you!
This is a great overview, Kenny. As someone who grew up without ever even seeing an alcoholic beverage, it took me a long time as an adult to figure out a reasonable balance to alcohol.
After I experienced my first major traumatic event in life I realized that my good friends may pray for me, but my best friends would take me out and drink with me. This really changed the way I viewed alcohol.
I just found this article, and thought it pretty interesting.
OK, I admit it, I'm a teetotaler and I haven't been able to figure out the fascination people have with alcohol. Unfortunately, or fortunately; I never liked the taste of alcohol, I used to have a drink when I was youger and went out to night clubs, but it never stuck. I did smoke though, and realize how one can get hooked on that.
I quit smoking several years ago, and these days, I never drink at all (Boring!...) and find it interesting why at dinner parties everyone needs that "Drink"! Everyone just keeps pouring them, and I'm at a loss as to why they need it? However, your last few paragraphs, and the end quotes gave me more insight than I've ever had.
I think it bothers me so much because I grew up with an alcoholic father which resulted in many tense moments with arguing, and man-handling my Mother.
I guess I made an "unconscious" decision as I got older that I didn't want anything to do with alcohol. That wasn't necessarily the same path most of my siblings took though.
I guess I should just accept that people are going to enjoy their wine, cocktails, etc., and that's just the way it is! I really do not like to see people drunk though.
As was said, maybe I take myself too seriously... however, I rather enjoy knowing that I had a nice time somewhere, and have the ability to remember what went on.
Thanks for your article, it was enlightening.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.